Max, whats that? the woman demanded, clutching a shirt. Whats that pink stain? Somebodys lipstick? So you stayed late at work again
Emma, what are you saying? the tired young man answered while sorting his tools. Im just coming off a night shift. Lipstick? The only woman in our department is Nurse Margaret. Honestly Im exhausted.
Emma smoothed her lips, crumpled the shirt, and trudged toward the bathroom. Max let out a heavy sigh.
It had been over six months since Emma and Max began dating. Everything seemed perfect, except for one flawEmma was fiercely jealous. She could conjure a reason for suspicion even where none existed.
Look at this, Emma moaned, holding the shirt out. He must be cheating. See this?
She handed the garment to her sister and crossed her arms, visibly shaken.
Katie, Emmas sister, inspected the fabric, sniffed the spot, and burst out laughing.
Whats so funny? Emma snapped, offended.
Its just fruit jam, love.
Emma snatched the shirt from her sister and inhaled deeply. Confusion mixed with disbelief painted her face.
Its time you calm down. I cant fathom where this paranoia comes from.
She sat opposite Katie.
We didnt just start seeing each other. I pulled him out of a previous relationship, Emma confessed, looking away. He cheated on his ex with me. At first I thought hed never leave, then I realized he would and he did, in the most dramatic way.
Thats no excuse for mistrust. Try to trust.
I do trust, Emma protested. I just keep fearing Ill lose him.
Katie shook her head, speechless.
Where were you? Emma asked, arms folded, the clock reading one a.m.
Max exhaled wearily.
Emma, you let me stay out with the lads. We watched the match, had a few drinks, relaxed. Whats wrong?
Dereks been home for ages, I called Lily. Where have you been the past two hours?
Derek left early, promised his wife, and Sergei and I stayed behind. Emma, settle down. Im going to bed.
Max slipped into the bedroom and collapsed onto the bed, hoping to drown Emmas chronic jealousy in sleep, to feel lighthearted again as before. But Emma, as always, ruined it.
Emma left a shop, eyes glued to her phone, oblivious to the world. She turned her head suddenly and gasped. Across the street, Max stood with a blond woman, chatting merrily while he pressed her close without a hint of shame.
A veil seemed to fall over Emmas vision; she flung the grocery bag aside and lunged at Max. Grabbing the womans wrist, she dragged her away.
I knew it! Emma shrieked. I knew you were cheating. Youyouliar! she shook her head. No, I was right! Youre a betrayer!
Max stared grimly, fists clenched, eyes flicking guiltladen at the blond who stood bewildered.
Emma
Dont speak to me. I know what youll say. I wont hear any more hollow excuses.
Shes my halfsister, Max interrupted. Margarets niece. Youve met her. And Vera is my sister; we grew up together. You should go home; well talk there.
Emma obeyed, trailing off a brief, Sorry, to the confused girl.
Max returned home late, his lips pursed so tightly they seemed vanished, his gaze fixed beyond Emma.
Max
Im fed up, he admitted. I cant understand why your jealousy is so fierce. Since we started, its been accusations every day. Your eyes always search for betrayalin patients, nurses, doctors, even lamp posts. Its beyond anything acceptable Im exhausted.
Max! Emma wailed. Are you leaving me? Please, I love you! Forgive me, Ill try not to repeat this. Please
Emma collapsed around him, clutching his hands, staring into his eyes. Max felt sorry for her; he truly loved her and had ended a fiveyear relationship for her. He never imagined hed reach this point, yet Emma had captured his soul. Now doubt gnawed from within.
I love you, he whispered, squeezing her hand, meeting her gaze. But what youre doing is unhealthy. I cant live like this
Ill change, Emma sobbed. Never again. Just stay with me. You dont understandI cant be without you.
Max exhaled and pulled her close. He couldnt abandon her, not after everything.
For several months their relationship blossomed; Emmas jealousy fadedor at least she hid itwhile Max enjoyed her company, stopped coming in early, and lingered at work as long as he could.
Autumn arrived, bringing a surge of patients. Max grew physically drained, ate dinner at home, and went straight to bed.
Emmas suspicions flared again. At first she tried to believe him, ignoring the faint perfume on his shirt. The ward was mostly women, after all, nothing to alarm. Yet each day her doubts grew; she watched him, examined his shirts, searching for clues.
One evening after his shift, Max hurried to the shower, intent on getting to bed quickly. He slipped open the door almost silently and saw Emma scrolling frantically on his phone.
Emma what are you doing?
She startled, thrusting the phone away.
Just a call, thats all.
Max glanced at the pinkcased phone on the nightstand.
Did you forget yours?
Its dead.
The screen of Xenias phone lit up; a message appeared.
Really? Completely dead? So youre lying too, Max raised an eyebrow, surprised. Maybe I still have something to learn about you? Huh?
Sorry, Emma bowed her head.
Found what you were looking for? Miss Marple Max muttered irritably, more annoyed than anything.
Emma shook her head.
Max silently collected his belongings from the wardrobe. Emma lunged for his hand.
Please, no! I wont do this again. I trust you, Max!
No, Emma, I forgave you once; I wont step on the same rake again. Im tired. I just want a peaceful life, to trust and be trusted. Thats not happening.
In half an hour Max packed everything, leaving Emma perched on the bed, hands wrapped around her knees.
I love you, truly. But I cant continue like this. What about you? You wont change.
Max left the rented flat and went back to his parents house, utterly spent.
Mistrust shatters even the strongest bonds. People judge themselves through their own lenses. Perhaps Emma feared Max would betray her as he had his former girlfriend, but she chose him herself, chose this man. Without trust, love, friendship, or any partnership cannot survive. That was her greatest mistake.
